Fee waivers?! what range of income is usually approved? Forum

[summerinparis]

I applied for a fee waiver earlier this week and was denied.... I am in the appeal process now.

Since they ask for parents tax information--As an undergrad (and even now), my parent's income for a family of five was <$23,000 (below poverty line I think). For my information--first year out of school, I did a fellowship which paid living expenses/allowance. But otherwise, no real "income". Then the next year out, I made about <$10,000 which all went to board and living expenses.....

so now I'm wondering if anyone knows what range of income is usually approved for the LSAC fee waivers. I wanted to sign up for the LSAT for a later test date this year, but I seriously have no cash to spare to apply. at this moment, i am dirt. poor.

Any advice?

[fatduck]

my combined income (mine + family) was ~$70k and i got one.

[summerinparis]

my combined income (mine + family) was ~$70k and i got one.

did you get approved right away? or did you have to do the appeal process?

[fatduck]

my combined income (mine + family) was ~$70k and i got one.

did you get approved right away? or did you have to do the appeal process?

right away

[cinephile]

I think the problem for some people is having a savings account. No matter how little you make, if you have any savings that pretty much disqualifies you.

[butterfly]

I got one but they considered me independent, have children and still in school. My income isn't much either so that may be why I got approved. But initially, I was a conditional approval. I had to send in income info before I got the final approval.

I am just glad i got something. But the LSAC reports will be the only issue to pay for. I am hopeful that I get some fee waivers from the schools I apply to. If not, I will def request one. All they can do is say no. Don't know if I don't try.

[YaSvoboden]

Wow OP, that definitely seems deserving to me. I got one at about 11k, no need to provide parental info and no assets that don't have an equal liability.

[bdubs]

OP: do you or parents have an substantial assets? From other posts, it looked like they denied people who had cash in bank accounts.

[SA1928]

I was denied initially due to having money saved for a move I was about to do for AmeriCorps, but I appealed and explained the situation. I was granted a fee waiver immediately following, so as long as you can explain your circumstances (and back it up with documentation!), the appeal does actually seem to work.

[summerinparis]

^

Neither my parents nor I have significant assets. We do have a savings account with our bank, but less than $500 in there (for me) and a little bit more (for them). Essentially, my entire life is in my savings. After I pay my bills and budgeted items (groceries, etc), I move over everything to my Savings so I have at least $500 in there. I am also usually good with my credit card (never late for a payment, only purchase items when I know I have $ to pay back), but I'm actually in consumer debt of $300 right now. I guess this is what you call "dirt poor".

Is that really going to count against me?

I'm writing my appeal letter write now, but am feeling frustrated and stressed out. UGH. Money.

[CoriOlivia]

From what you've posted here, I can't imagine you are denied a fee waiver. If I remember correctly, it may ask how much you have in savings/checking, but I think if it is money from a student loan disbursement or something then that money won't even count. Either way, having 500 to your name in savings is hardly going to keep you from a fee waiver and if for some reason they don't approve you initially, I'm sure it wouldn't take more than a simple explanation in an appeal to get it at that point.